Raising funds to build homes

Once again Drayton Valley will be celebrating the annual Humans Helping Humans Hockey Tournament Fundraiser from Mar. 28-30.

Humans Helping Humans is a foundation that builds homes for families in need of affordable housing. The goal of the foundation is for all families in Drayton Valley to work together as humans helping humans. It all got started in December of 2007, in 2008 they raised more than $215,000 and completed its first build and in 2010 the foundation started its second build. The third build was completed in 2012 and the foundation’s dreams are to raise enough money with the support of the community to build another home.

“The purpose of this foundation is to raise founds to build another home,” said tournament organizer Amy Newberry. “The money raised will be spent on appliances needed for the home.”

This year the tournament jerseys will be the same colours as the Junior World hockey team; but hockey won’t be the only event at the fundraiser.

“The event is a three- day long hockey tournament that will have a shot hole for the public to use with a chance to win a car from Stetson Motors,” said Newberry. “As well as a silent action, a banquet and the band Punch Drunk Cabaret.”

Punch Drunk Cabaret is a rockabilly, outlaw country, and steampunk swing band. Punch Drunk Cabaret got its unique name by taking each of the three styles of music they produce and putting them together.

“Our music isn’t one style; it’s three that we mixed together,” said frontman Randy Bailer last week. “And we were looking for a name to suit all three styles”

The band has three members, drummer Reverend Robin D. Eklund, Bandmeister Randy Bailer and bass player Terry Sawbones Grant. The 80s rockabilly band Stay Cats has been their biggest inspiration on their unique style of music, said Bailer.

Established in the Edmonton area Punch Drunk Cabaret has a close connection to Drayton Valley.

Bailer’s mom was also into creating music and her dream started in Drayton Valley, where she attended Frank Maddock High School.

“I’m super excited to be coming to Drayton Valley,” said Bailer of returning to where his mom started playing. “A lot of family are coming to the show, in a way it’s like a strange homecoming.”

The connection that the band has with Drayton Valley isn’t the only thing that motivated the band to attend this event.

“It feels good to be involved in a fundraiser for a worthy cause,” said Bailer.

Beyond the connection the band has with Drayton Valley they are also known for another special feature — their bass guitar has 12 strings.

“The 12 string bass guitar is very odd, you don’t really see them,” said Bailer. “ It gives off a thunderous sound. It makes sense to have the bass and rhythm all in one instrument. It makes us sound like we have more than three guys on stage.”

Tickets for this year’s fundraiser can be purchased by calling Newberry at 780-515-0951. For more information find Humans Helping Humans on Facebook.